Buying Lumber Online

So I was wondering if anyone had any good online resources (or tips/tricks) for buying lumber online. There is not a huge selection of lumber yards in my area, so for my last project to save myself a little time I bought a 20bf project pack from http://www.woodworkerssource.com/. I was overall pretty happy with it, but not sure if anyone can suggest another site to take a look at.

Also, if anyone from central NJ knows of any good lumber yards in the area, I’m also all ears.

—Ilya C.

19 replies so far

Googled “sawmills in central NJ” ....Lumberyards usually carry building products , ie: framing , plywoods , etc.You might want to search for lumbermills or custom millwork shops. For example , in my area , there is a place called CopperBeech Millwork , and another one called Forest Products , and they have all kinds of wood in stock , both planed and in the rough. If you know what kind of wood you need for your project , just google it and see if anyone pops up in your area : )http://www.locallife.com/central-new-jersey/sawmills.asp Best wishes : )

Try wood finder to find local lumber sources. Not foolproof though. I have had the best luck with finding local woodworking guilds and asking them. Try googling NJ woodworking guilds. Some have websites and a resources page with listings there.

One thing I have seen on Woodworkers Source as opposed to these other online places is at least the ‘project packs’ they sell tend to have shipping included. Some of these other sites are cheaper per board foot, though, so I’m not sure where the ‘break even’ point would be.

What’s the cost of shipping say….60lb of lumber? That’s about what my last order with them weighed, and I have to imagine I made out like a bandit not having to pay shipping, but I’m not sure.

Hey There, I’m from Cherry Hill, NJ. The is a place in Sicklerville, NJ that carries a large selection of hardwoods. Its called the Exotic woods company. If your up for a bit of a drive there is a place in Oxford, PA that will nock your socks off. It is of of the largest hardwood dealers in the world. They have every thing under the sun. They are call Hearne hardwoods. They will do mail orders also. But if you have a free day I sugest you go in person. They are having an open house this coming Oct 5 and 6. You can see more details on their web site. I will definitely be there. I want to see their 67” bandsaw in action, resawing some wood. anyways those are the only places around in our area that have a good selection of woods. Good luck.

when I have to buy lumber online, I buy it from Rockler, because there’s a retail store about half an hour from me, that I know I can return it to if I have to. Otherwise I wouldn’t feel too comfortable ordering lumber with out seeing it…

I’ve never checked the price of lumber online before. Areomatic cedar $4.10 bf ? WOW !! I need to start my on lumber co. I could sell it for a whole lot less and still make a buck. Corn won’t grow on Rocky Top. But cedar does. GO VOLS!